Stress Counseling
What is Stress?
When an individual is pressured, demanded or challenged, it is a normal reaction of the body and the mind towards stress. It happens when we reach a stage where we feel that the situation we are in is beyond our ability to handle.
Stress is not always bad. Stress in small portions may encourage us to prepare, concentrate, and do better. However, stress may have an impact on our mental, physical, emotional, relationship, as well as general quality of life when it is extreme, chronic, or uncontrolled.
Debatably, stress is simply the sense of being overpowering, mentally, emotionally, or physically.
When stress happens:
- The mind becomes restless
- Thoughts keep running
- The body feels tired or tense
- Feelings are weighted, disrupted.
Anyone can be a victim of stress - students, employees, homemakers, parents, elderly people, and even children. Stress is not a weakness. It is an instinctive reaction against life crises.
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The Spectrum of Stress
Not all stress is "bad."
There are two types of stress that are often differentiated by psychologists:
Eustress (Positive Stress)
It is the good form of stress which makes us alive and this is the feeling that one gets when sitting on a roller coaster, when deciding to work in a new place or when you are in a sports competition. It provides focus and energy.
Distress (Negative Stress)
This is observed when the stressor cannot be handled or useful. It causes stress, affects physical health and results in mental burnout.
The Modern Stressors
In our contemporary society, we hardly encounter physical predators but we respond to psychological predators in the same manner as our body does. Our stress is acquired in a number of ways:
1. Transitions in life and Environmental factors
Even favourable developments are stressful. It is a big mental adjustment to get married, shift to a new house or even a new career line. High-impact stressors such as the death of a loved one or a divorce, however, do not overlook everyday environmental stresses that have increased tension, such as traffic congestion, noise pollution, or untidy work environment.
2. The Digital Overload
We are bombarded with information at all times in this present day and age of instant connectivity. The pressure to remain plugged in 24/7 plus the habit of comparing our lives to the edited social media feeds, brings a very special kind of contemporary psychological stress to bear.
3. Professional and Economic Stress
Chronic stress is caused by the demands of the work place. Burnout is a condition of physical and emotional prostration that may be caused by work-related stressors such as long hours, job insecurity, and responsibilities of a high profile job. This is usually accompanied by financial fears that produce a feeling of constant insecurity.
How Do We Get Stress?
Stress often follows when we have an unmet expectation and reality or when we are perceived to be out of control.
There are widespread causes of stress among people and they include:
Daily Life Pressure
Stress can be accumulated over time due to
- Busy time management
- Multitasking
- Unable to find time for loved ones
- Insufficient rest
Academic Pressure
Students can be stressed because of:
- Exams and results
- Fear of failure
- Parental expectations
- Competition
- Time pressure
Work-Related Stress
Work stress can happen due to:
- Heavy workload
- Long working hours
- Job insecurity
- Office politics
- Pressure to perform
Matrimonial and Relational Problems
Emotional stress can be caused by conflicts at home, misunderstanding, responsibilities, and emotional support.
Financial Stress
Fears related to money, including debts, costs, savings or loss of job are typical stressors.
Health-Related Stress
Stress levels can be increased by chronic illness, medical conditions or concerns regarding health.
Major Life Changes
Life events such as marriage, moving, changing of career, the death of a loved one or separation may be situations that lead to emotional stress.
Social Pressure
Mental stress can be caused by pressure to conform to the expectations of society, comparison with other people, and fear of judgment.
How Do We Get Stress?
Chronic stress is caused by the demands of the work place. Burnout is a condition of physical and emotional prostration that may be caused by work-related stressors such as long hours, job insecurity, and responsibilities of a high profile job. This is usually accompanied by financial fears that produce a feeling of constant insecurity.
Physical Consequences
- Cardiovascular Health: Chronic stress keeps the blood pressure high and this may cause damage to the arteries and lead to heart disease.
- Immune System: Due to the high level of cortisol, your immune system is weakened and you are prone to infection and slows down recovery.
- Digestive Problems: Due to the connection between the brain and the gut, stress can be provided as stomachache, bloating, or even more dangerous such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
Emotional and Psychological Cost
Stress might result in the brain being cloudy mentally; this translates to forgetfulness, lack of concentration, and indecisiveness. It can be experienced emotionally, in most cases as:
- Irritability and Anger: A brief fuse with family and friends.
- Anxiety: A continuous state of fear or of being in a state of tension.
- Depression: Stress may cause feelings of hopelessness and withdrawal when it seems to be unavoidable.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Stress
Stress may have different impacts on individuals. Some common signs include:
Emotional Symptoms
- Experiencing anxiety or frustration.
- Mood swings
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Low motivation
Mental
Symptoms
- Difficulty concentrating
- Constant worrying
- Forgetfulness
- Negative thinking
Physical Symptoms
- Headaches
- Body pain
- Fatigue
- Sleep problems
- Digestive issues
Behavioural Symptoms
- Avoiding responsibilities
- Excessive eating or anorexia.
- Withdrawing from people
- Increased screen time